More than 60 years after writing his first hit, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bill Medley is bringing The Righteous Brothers’ farewell tour to Litchfield Park to launch the West Valley's newest performing arts venue.
On Oct. 10, the “Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour” will headline the official grand opening of the new Hilltop Theatre and Concert Hall.
The event marks the final touring chapter for one of pop music’s most enduring acts, and the birth of a landmark venue built to train the next generation of artists.
Medley’s journey began in Santa Ana, California, where he was a 16-year-old writing songs. Alongside his late musical partner, Bobby Hatfield, Medley earned The Righteous Brothers a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Their catalog spans decades of hits, including "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’" "Unchained Melody," "(You’re My) Soul and Inspiration," "Ebb Tide," and "Rock and Roll Heaven." Decades later, Medley reached a whole new generation with the Oscar-winning duet "(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" from “Dirty Dancing.”
Following Hatfield’s death in 2003, Medley spent 13 years performing solo, assuming The Righteous Brothers legacy had reached its natural end. That changed in 2016 when he reconnected with vocalist Bucky Heard.
"I wasn't looking to try and reform The Righteous Brothers because Bobby was somebody you couldn't replace," Medley said. "But the minute I heard Bucky, we sat at the piano, sang a few songs, and it was kind of magical. Now it’s going on our 11th year, and he’s become my best friend."
Medley, who turns 86 this September, said embarking on a farewell tour is less about saying goodbye and more about offering a final thank-you to the fans who have sustained his career.
"The audiences have been my partner for 60 years," Medley said. "They've supported the music and supported The Righteous Brothers, and I just owe them as much respect as I can give them. Without them, nothing means nothing. It's almost like coming around to thank them."
Medley said while the screaming teenage energy of the 1960s has evolved into a more reflective dynamic, the connection with concertgoers remains as vital as ever.
"It’s a different feel than when Bob and I were in our 20s and 30s," Medley said. "Today, they’ve lived a good, hard life and they want to hear those songs that they were raised on. I’ll probably be performing until the wheels come off. They’re getting a little loose, but as long as the audiences are there, I think we’ll be there."
While the Oct. 10 concert offers a nostalgic journey for music fans, the venue hosting it was built with the future in mind. The 750-seat Hilltop Theatre sits adjacent to the Agua Fria Union High School District’s new Hilltop School for the Arts and operates as a living laboratory for high school students pursuing careers in entertainment, cinematography, and production.
Touring acts performing at the venue, including national headliners like The Righteous Brothers, will offer hands-on workforce development, allowing students to observe sound checks, sit in on dress rehearsals, and work alongside professional technical crews.
“The theater is going to serve as a professional venue, where kids can get real world industry experience with professionals, to expose them to every type of role in the industry,” said Theatre Manager Alexandra Morrell. “It gives our artists a chance to connect with the future of the industry itself."
Having navigated the volatile music business across multiple eras, from the British Invasion to shifting radio formats, Medley takes pride in knowing his production will serve as a learning ground for young artists and crew members.
When asked what advice he has for students preparing to walk into the entertainment industry, Medley stressed resilience and passion over overnight fame.
"In our industry, there’s a lot of rejection, you usually only hear about the good stuff," Medley said. "Just because the world changes, don't give up on what you love to do and what you do best. Learn how to tweak it a little bit to where it’s palatable, but first off, you just have to love it. Just keep trying as hard as you can at what you love the most."
What to expect
The Saturday, Oct. 10 grand opening concert follows an Thurdsay, Oct. 1 ribbon-cutting and a week of soft-launch community events.
Patrons attending the event will be able to see the new hilltop campus, including the 750-seat main hall, its lounge, a student fine art gallery, an outdoor veranda overlooking the valley and a Modern Grind coffee shop.
Morrell said bringing this scale of arts infrastructure to Litchfield Park fills a regional void.
"Having a venue in the West Valley is going to create more opportunities for the Valley as a whole and accelerate growth,we are already experiencing,” Morrell said. “Through that, there will be a lot of opportunities to showcase what we can do and who we are as a community."
Morrell said that having The Righteous Brothers launch the concert hall shows the dual significance of legacy and new beginnings.
"It’s an opportunity for our community and families to see Bill Medley during an important moment in his career while also celebrating the first performance at a brand new venue," Morrell added. "I kind of love the Hilltop becoming something new while experiencing a legacy event."
Visit dzplive.com for more information and ticket details.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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